Barstow drops first playoff game

MURRIETA • The Barstow High School softball team couldn’t get around the bases Thursday.
Barstow fell 4-0 to Cavalry Murrieta in the first round of the CIF-Southern Section Division V playoffs in Murrieta. The Warriors were the No. 1 seed in the Division V tournament. The Aztecs were able to get their bats going, but couldn’t bring anyone home. They stranded nine girls on the bases during the game.
“We definitely had opportunities to win the game,” Barstow coach Daron Banks said. “They were a good team and luck just wasn’t on our side today.”
The Aztecs had a close call in the fourth inning. Barstow had Erica Carrion on third base and Hannah Ulibarri on second base when Kianna Duran hit a bunt down the first base line in the fourth inning. Duran was thrown out at first base and Carrion was caught trying to head home. Alyssa Maldonado hit a ball to the shortstop to end the fourth inning.
Although the Aztecs weren’t able to score, they managed to hold the Warriors scoreless in four of their six at bats. Ulibarri pitched a complete game throwing one strike out and no walks.
“I talked to their coach after the game and she said we were definitely the toughest team they’ve played all season,” Banks said. “We have a strong defense and Ulibarri pitched well. She did a great job today and all year. She had the best ERA, 1.75, in the league this year.”
The Warriors’ pitcher Kayla Hatch put together a good game. Hatch earned five strikeouts with one walk during the game.

Barstow         000 000 0 — 0 5 2
Cavalry Murrieta        200 002 X   — 4 7 2

WP — Hatch. LP — Ulibarri.